African American Portland: Events

JANUARY

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Skanner Foundation's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, which typically includes a national speaker talking about a current issue, is always held on the King holiday. Later that day, the World Arts Foundation hosts the Keeping the Dream Alive celebration at Highland Christian Center (7600 N.E. Glisan St.).

POH-Hop
Founded in 1995, the annual Portland Oregon Hip-Hop (POH-Hop) festival features homegrown, West Coast and national rappers and DJs.

FEBRUARY

Portland Jazz Festival
Portland marks Black History Month with the Portland Jazz Festival, a citywide celebration of the art form created by African Americans.

Portland Trail Blazers Celebrate Black History Month
The NBA's Trail Blazers hold events throughout the month, including honoring local African Americans in halftime ceremonies.

Cascade Festival of African Films
Since 1991, this film festival hosted by Portland Community College has presented a wide selection of feature and documentary films from the African continent.

APRIL

Oregon Black Political Convention
In presidential election years, this convention hosted by the Oregon Assembly for Black Affairs examines issues affecting the state's black community and endorses primary candidates.

Soul'd Out Music Festival
This ten-day festival features local and national performers of soulful music in venues around town. Headliners in 2011 included Ms. Lauryn Hill, Mos Def and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

MAY

Black & White Ball
This black-tie gala features dining, dancing and an auction, raising funds for Portland Boys and Girls Clubs.

JUNE

Juneteenth
"Juneteenth" is celebrated with a freedom parade and a picnic on the Saturday closest to June 19. This uniquely African-American holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when slaves in Texas received word that Lincoln had abolished slavery. In Portland, observation of the holiday was begun in the shipyards in 1944 by Clara Peoples.

Good in the Neighborhood
The last weekend in June, this three-day festival of multicultural music, foods, games and arts showcases the rich culture of North and Northeast Portland.

JULY

Waterfront Blues Festival
The Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival brings top national stars to downtown Portland over the weekend of the Fourth of July.

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
Held under the historic St. Johns Bridge over a mid-July weekend, this free festival is one of the most relaxed events in the city.

Vanport Classic Golf Tournament
The Vanport Classic Golf Tournament will be held July 30, 2011, at Heron Lakes Great Blue Golf Course (3500 N. Victory Blvd., 503.289.1818).

AUGUST

Northwest SOUL II SOUL Music Festival
This multicultural event at Blue Lake Park (22500 N.E. Blue Lake Road) features two stages, VIP gardens, a kids' park and food vendors.

National Night Out
Aug. 2, 2011, brings block parties into neighborhoods across town, including Woodlawn Park, Peninsula Park, and the King and Elliott neighborhoods.

NOVEMBER

Portland African American Film Festival
Work by local and national filmmakers is highlighted from Nov. 17-20, 2011.

DECEMBER

Kwanzaa
The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration that includes exhibits and performances.

Check The Skanner News Calendar and YourBeat listings to find additional events or places to visit during your stay.